How to Clean Solar Panels? A Guide on Rooftop Solar Panel Cleaning

Rooftop solar panel cleaning is crucial in countries like India, where dust, dirt, and pollution are persistent issues. If you let debris build up, your system’s output can drop significantly. According to CEEW research, solar panels that are not cleaned periodically start generating 30% less electricity by the 2nd year. In fact, not cleaning solar panels the right way or not cleaning them as often as recommended by the manufacturers can render their warranty null and void. 

The safest and best way to clean solar panels is to approach cleaning under an AMC, where the solar installation company takes care of cleaning not just the solar panels but all other components of your on-grid solar system. If you still prefer DIY, the best way to clean solar panels is to stick to using low-pressure water, a soft nylon-bristle brush on a long handle, and a mild, non-abrasive detergent when the panels are cool in the morning or evening. 

Avoid using sprinklers, water at high pressure, harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, or temperature shock by splashing cool water on hot panel surfaces to clean solar panels, because it can damage the surface of the panels, reducing the efficiency of the solar cells underneath.  

In this guide on how to clean solar panels, we will explain the steps you must follow to ensure you clean solar panels at home without damaging them or risking losing the warranty. We will also walk you through the dos and don’ts of rooftop solar panel cleaning and the solar system installation cost in India vs the ROI you receive. 

TL;DR Summary Box: What is the Best Way to Clean Solar Panels?

The best way to clean solar panels is to hire trained professionals under an AMC contract to remove dirt and debris buildup. Professionals use the right tools, like long-handle brushes with nylon bristles, non-caustic cleaning solutions that can tackle even the harshest of buildups without damaging the surface of the solar panels, and follow warranty-safe methods for solar module cleaning.

However, if you still decide to clean solar panels at home yourself without professional help, ensure that you use a long handle brush with nylon bristles, so it doesn’t scratch the surface of the solar panels. 

The best way to clean solar panels at home yourself is by following this quick checklist: 

• Shut down the rooftop solar system for safety. 
• Clean the panels at dawn or dusk to avoid thermal shock.
• Rinse gently with RO, de-ionized, or low-mineral water while keeping the pressure low.
• Loosen dirt with a soft nylon brush and non-caustic detergent. Do not use abrasive chemicals.
• Rinse and squeegee dry to avoid mineral spots.
• Avoid using high-pressure cleaners, harsh chemicals, metal tools, or sprinklers that leave water spots and cast shadows on the panels.

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

Why Do Solar Panels Require Cleaning?

If the surface of the panels is clouded with dust or bird droppings, it will stop the panels from absorbing solar radiation because sunlight won’t fall directly on the panels’ surface. The buildup will, therefore, reduce the amount of electricity the panels can otherwise produce when their surface is sparkling clean. 

Let’s check out all the factors that make regular solar module cleaning non-negotiable: 

• Unclean panels reduce solar savings: If you don’t clean your panels often, they will start generating up to 30% less power by year 2. Since they will generate less solar electricity, your bills will no longer be as low as they should be. A well-maintained on-grid rooftop solar panel for homes, working at its peak efficiency, can reduce electricity bills by 90% or more, saving tens of lakhs of rupees. Failing to clean the panels will jeopardize these savings.
• Improper panel cleaning can render the warranty null/void: This is one reason why you must seek professional help to clean your panels. Not cleaning the solar panels as often as required or suggested by the solar panel manufacturer or using improper cleaning techniques like sprinklers or water at high pressure can render the warranty null. 

How to Clean Solar Panels? A Step-by-Step Guide on Rooftop Solar Panel Cleaning 

When you call professionals under the AMC contract, you don’t have to worry about cleaning the panels the right way so their surface isn’t scratched. However, if you’re cleaning solar panels on your roof yourself, you need a proper checklist to ensure not just the safety of the solar panels but your safety, too. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean solar panels while ensuring you and your equipment remain unharmed: 

• Step 1 – Choose an appropriate time to clean the panels, either at dusk or dawn: Always clean the panels either during the morning or evening. This is important because these are the two times when the panel surface will not be hot. Splashing cool water on solar panels during the daytime can crack their surface because they’re hot under the sun. Thermal shock can result in micro-cracks that will not only reduce the panel efficiency but might also void the warranty.
• Step 2 – Turn off the solar inverter so your rooftop solar system is no longer operating: It’s imperative that the solar system is not producing electricity while you’re cleaning it. If not shut off, this can be a safety hazard, resulting in an electric shock. 
• Step 3 – Wipe the panel surface with a dry nylon cloth: Always use a very clean nylon cloth to remove or loosen the accumulated dust and dirt. Don’t use dirty cloth pieces or harsh kitchen scrubs to loosen the dirt. This will result in scratches all over the panels, doing more harm than good.
• Step 4 – Use non-caustic detergent and a long-handle, nylon-bristle brush to tackle hard buildup: If you spot bird droppings on the panels or a thick layer of dirt and debris that didn’t come loose with dry mopping, use a non-caustic detergent and a soft, nylon-bristle brush to loosen the buildup. Do not scrub the surface of the panels harshly with metal tools. Continue with gentle soft strokes without adding pressure. 
• Step 4 – Use non-caustic detergent and a long-handle, nylon bristle brush to tackle hard buildup: If you spot bird dropping on the panels or thick layer of dirt and debris that didn’t come loose with dry mopping, use a non-caustic detergent and a soft, nylon bristle brush to loosen the buildup. Do not scrub the surface of the panels harshly with metal tools. Continue with gentle soft strokes without adding pressure. 
• Step 5 – Rinse with ample of low-mineral water: Do a final rinsing using low-mineral or RO water. You can use a pipe to rinse the panels, but ensure you use a nozzle to control the pressure. High-pressure cleaning will harm the surface of the panels.  
• Step 6 – Squeegee dry the panels: Do not let water settle on the panel surface, thinking it will dry on its own. This can leave water spots behind, which will again block sunlight from falling on the panels directly. Squeegee dry the panels using a soft sponge until they are completely dry.

How to Clean Solar Panels at Home Without Damaging Them?

Solar module cleaning at home is not easy. Improper cleaning practices, listed below, can scratch the surface of the panels and void the warranty. 

• Hard water can deposit minerals on the panels’ surface: The minerals deposited on the surface of the panels will block sunlight, reducing the output. If you try to scratch the mineral deposits from the surface using abrasives, it will create scratches.  
• Cleaning at the wrong time can result in microcracks: Splashing water on the panels while they’re hot can develop microcracks. 
• Uneven cleaning can create hotspots: If some parts of a panel stay dirty while other parts are clean, the clean solar cells try to push current through the dirty cells. Those dirty spots heat up much more than the rest of the panel. This is called a hot spot. Hot spots can damage the glass and backsheet over time, stress the wiring, and, in the worst cases, raise fire risk.
• Wrong cleaning practices can null the manufacturer’s warranty: If you use hard water or harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes to clean the panels, the warranty might be nullified. 

So, if you’re cleaning solar panels at home without professional help because you don’t have an AMC that binds your installation company to take care of your solar system maintenance, you must make sure you use only low-mineral water, a nylon-brush, and non-caustic solutions to clean the panel surface. This will ensure that the panels are not damaged during cleaning.

How to Clean Solar Panels on the Roof Automatically by Yourself? Tips to Prevent Panel Damage

Ensure you do not splash cool water on hot panels and use only non-caustic solutions to remove bird droppings and hard buildups. Also, use a soft nylon-bristle brush and low-mineral or RO water to ensure you clean the panels without accidentally damaging them.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the most important tips to follow while cleaning solar panels yourself so you don’t damage them:

How Often Do Solar Panels Need to be Cleaned? 

Fortnightly or monthly rooftop solar panel cleaning is recommended in dusty/polluted Indian cities. On the other hand, a quarterly solar module cleaning serves the purpose in cleaner areas. Make a habit of always cleaning the panels after dust storms or heavy bird activity. The monsoon season often reduces the need for solar panel cleaning, but make sure to always do a post-monsoon wash.

However, bear in mind that actual cleaning frequency will depend on where you live, the pollution level in your area, and whether or not dust storms and bird activity are frequent.

Dos and Don’ts To Follow When Cleaning Solar Panels At Home Yourself

Do not use harsh chemicals, hard water at high pressure, and abrasive tools to clean solar panels. Stick to using a nylon-bristle brush and RO water for proper rooftop solar panel cleaning in order to wash the panels without damaging them. 

Here’s a clear breakdown of the do’s and don’ts when cleaning solar panels without professional help at home:

Why Should You Install an On-Grid Rooftop Solar Panel System at Home?

Installing on-grid rooftop solar panel systems at homes has multiple benefits. The Indian government offers a subsidy for installing them, which reduces the installation cost. And since these systems produce free electricity for 25+ years, they save tens of lakhs of rupees by reducing electricity bills by 90% or more.

Here are the multiple reasons why on-grid solar is the best choice for residential installations:

• You will receive a subsidy: The government offers homeowners a maximum subsidy of Rs. 78,000 under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for installing on-grid rooftop solar systems. In fact, installing rooftop solar for housing societies is also covered under this scheme. Housing societies can claim a maximum subsidy of Rs. 90 lakh under this policy. However, you won’t get this assistance for installing off-grid solar systems, ground-mounted solar systems, or commercial rooftop systems.
• Your carbon footprint will be reduced: Installing even a 5 kW on-grid solar system on your rooftop can offset 1,29,360 kg of carbon dioxide from the air in the system’s 25-year life. How? That’s because a 5 kW solar system is equivalent to planting 196 full-grown trees that can offset 1,29,360 kg of carbon dioxide in 25 years.
• On-grid solar is cheaper than off-grid and hybrid solar systems: Both off-grid and hybrid systems need a lithium battery bank to store excess solar energy that the panels generate. These lithium batteries are expensive to install, and they also have to be replaced from time to time, increasing the overall long-term maintenance cost. On-grid solar systems don’t require lithium batteries to store excess energy. The extra current is sent to the grid through a net meter for storage. Hence, on-grid solar systems are most preferred for residential and commercial areas with a reliable grid.
• Your electricity bills will reduce by 90% or more: Since solar systems reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity by generating free solar electricity, your bills will drop by 90% or more. Many customers report getting zero bills. The final impact of these savings is huge. Not paying hefty bills for 25+ years, while the tariffs increase by 3-6% annually, results in tens of lakhs of rupees saved. 

To showcase the impact of the savings we’re talking about, we’ve created a small table comparing the estimated cost of installing a 4 kW solar system in India with subsidy with the solar savings that the system will offer in 25 years:

*Please note: The above-mentioned 4 kW solar panel price in India with subsidy is indicative as of 17th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The actual 4 kW solar plate price depends on your DISCOM charges, city, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, when calculating savings, we have considered an annual tariff escalation of 3% and an annual degradation of 1%. The actual final savings from for a 4 kW solar panel system depends on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

You can also calculate the solar system size required for your home and its estimated cost versus the savings it will offer over 25 years in your city using SolarSquare’s free solar power estimator calculator. 

Why Choose SolarSquare as Your Solar Installation Company? 

You won’t have to worry about how to clean solar panels or maintain your solar system if you choose SolarSquare because we offer our customers 5 years of solar system maintenance, which goes beyond simple solar module cleaning. Our 360° Power Boost Maintenance plan is designed to ensure your rooftop solar system generates maximum electricity and offers massive savings.

SolarSquare’s 5-year AMC includes the following benefits:

• 24/7 remote system monitoring: These continuous checks ensure your rooftop solar system runs smoothly. If any technical error is observed, it’s reported to our team and resolved at the earliest, so your power generation remains unaffected. 
• Breakdown service & on-call support: You can call our team for any immediate fixes needed.
• Deep cleaning: We use only specialized equipment for optimal panel efficiency and ensure your panels remain sparkling clean.
• Comprehensive inspections: We carry out comprehensive electrical (regular checks for safety and functionality), structural (ensuring your panels and structure are secure in all weather conditions), and mechanical (full inspection of moving parts for long-lasting performance) checks to ensure all the components of your solar system are operating at their peak efficiency.

Conclusion

The best way to clean solar panels without damaging them is to approach cleaning under an AMC (annual maintenance contract) that solar installers offer to their customers. Professionals always use the right tools and practices for solar module cleaning, which ensures the panels remain undamaged and the warranty remains intact. 

However, if you’re planning to go DIY, the best way to clean solar panels is using a long-handle, nylon-bristle brush and low-mineral or RO water at low pressure. Never splash cool water on their surface when the panels are hot, as thermal shock can lead to cracking. 

For any queries regarding solar installation at your place, book a free consultation with SolarSquare now. 

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FAQs

Q1. Do you need to turn off solar panels before cleaning?

Ans. Yes, it is very important that the solar panels are off and not generating electricity before you clean them. This eliminates the risk of electric shocks.

Q2. Can I use dishwashing liquid to clean my solar panels?

Ans. No, regular dishwashing liquid can be too acidic for solar panels. It can also leave behind residue, which will, later on, block direct sunlight from getting absorbed by the panels.

Q3. Is it safe to use sprinklers to clean solar panels?

Ans. No, it’s not safe to use sprinklers for solar module cleaning because using sprinklers can lead to uneven cleaning, creating hot spots. Sprinklers can also cast shadows on the panels, reducing their output.

Q4. Is it important to clean solar panels?

Ans. Yes. It is extremely important to clean solar panels periodically because panels that aren’t cleaned properly can lead to a 30% drop in output by year 2. Also, failing to clean solar panels can result in the warranty being void.

Q5. Is it safe to wash solar panels at home yourself?

Ans. It can be safe if you follow the golden rules, like using low-mineral water at low pressure, a nylon-brush, and non-caustic solutions to clean the panel surface. However, there’s still a risk of the warranty being nullified if you accidentally damage the panels while cleaning them. So, it’s better to purchase an AMC with your solar installation company and let professionals handle the solar module cleaning.